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Nwabali: I almost quit football when my parents died

On January 1, Nwabali took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the passing of his mother, describing 2025 as “the worst year of my life.

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Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has shared the emotional struggles he has faced after he lost both of his parents within a short span

Nwabali , in an interview with ACL Sports while in camp with the Super Eagles in Morocco, as the team prepares for their Round of 16 tie after qualifying top of Group C with an untainted nine points from three matches, reflected on his journey through grief.

He revealed that the loss of his parents last year was particularly painful and at one point made him consider quitting football.

With the support of his teammates, he found the strength to continue playing despite the immense grief.

“My mom passed away on this day last year around 12 pm. I try to move on and be strong, but sometimes I feel like quitting.

At one point, I even told my captain that I wanted to quit football. But with the support of some of my teammates, I was able to carry on.

My mom and dad were so dear to me. Losing them has been incredibly painful. It’s not something any footballer—or any human—should have to experience: losing both parents.”

Nwabali’s father passed away in November 2025, only hours after he played in the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in the 2025 Nations Cup qualifiers.

On January 1, Nwabali took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the passing of his mother, describing 2025 as “the worst year of my life.”

He wrote: “RIP mom, worst year of my life already,” alongside heartbreak and tear emojis. Before the announcement, he had posted: “A very very crazy world indeed.”

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Lagos to host Davis Cup World Group II playoff

Oyekanmi emphasised that with the world’s attention on Lagos in February, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown that promises to elevate Nigerian tennis to new heights.

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The Lagos Lawn Tennis Club will host Davis Cup World Group II playoff between Nigeria and Uzbekistan from 6–8 February 2026.

The President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Victor Ochie, who disclosed this, said that hosting the event will significantly contribute to the development of lawn tennis in the country.

Prince Kunle Oyekanmi, publicity secretary of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, expressed confidence in the club’s ability to host a world-class tournament.“We are committed to ensuring a successful championship that will leave a lasting mark on the sport globally,” he said.

Oyekanmi added that the Davis Cup will inspire young and upcoming Nigerian players to pursue lawn tennis more passionately.

Oyekanmi emphasised that with the world’s attention on Lagos in February, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown that promises to elevate Nigerian tennis to new heights.

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US opens priority visa appointments for 2026 World Cup ticket holders

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that the organisation expects “between five and ten million people” to travel to North America to enjoy the World Cup.

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The United States on Tuesday, opened a priority visa appointment system for holders of tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing fans to seek earlier appointments ahead of the tournament.

The World Cup will be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

BBC reported that visa appointment scheme will enable ticket holders to access prioritised visa slots before the competition begins on June 11.

The US will host 78 of the 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup across 11 cities, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.”

In November, President Donald Trump said the Departments of State and Homeland Security had been working “tirelessly” to ensure football fans from around the world are properly vetted and able to travel to the United States for the summer tournament.

“I’ve directed my administration to do everything within our power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success. We are setting records on ticket sales,” Trump said.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that the organisation expects “between five and ten million people” to travel to North America to enjoy the World Cup.

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Senegal players to get bonuses, land for AFCON 2025 win

In addition, Faye said members of Senegal’s soccer federation would receive 50 million CFA francs and 1,000 square-metre plots, while members of the Senegalese delegation to Morocco would receive 20 million CFA francs and 500 square-metre plots.

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Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has offered bonuses of more than $130,000 as well as plots of coastal land to each member of the country’s soccer team following their victory in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

According to Reuters, President Faye spoke at a ceremony in the capital Dakar on Tuesday night during which thousands of jubilant supporters took to the streets to welcome the victorious Lions of Teranga home.

Senegal beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time, having staged a walk-off after they had a penalty awarded against them deep in stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes.

After the Senegal players returned to the pitch, Morocco missed the spot kick and Pape Gueye then won the trophy with a superb strike four minutes into extra time.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Senegal players rode atop a bus emblazoned with the words “African champions” along Dakar’s corniche towards the presidential palace.

The bonuses of 75 million CFA francs ($134,892.09) for each of the squad’s 28 players total 2.1 billion CFA francs or $3.7 million.

The players will also receive 1,500 square-metre plots of land.

In addition, Faye said members of Senegal’s soccer federation would receive 50 million CFA francs and 1,000 square-metre plots, while members of the Senegalese delegation to Morocco would receive 20 million CFA francs and 500 square-metre plots.

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